Patent attributes
There is provided a variable radius assembly having a spindle, at least one variable radius guide member coupled to, and driven by, the spindle, and a tension member attached to the variable radius guide member. The tension member is configured to attach to at least one variable length structural member. The variable radius assembly further has at least one gear coupled to, and driven by, the spindle, and has at least one rotational power source coupled to the spindle, and configured to rotate the spindle. The variable radius guide member enables a tension member length change at a non-linear rate for a constant rate of rotation of the spindle, allowing the at least one variable length structural member to be braced by the tension member at an inclination angle to the at least one variable length structural member throughout a range of motion.